First Round of the NFL Draft

 The NFL draft is upon us!  This year's draft will be held in Cleveland, a year being staged from Commissioner Roger Goodell's basement due to COVID.  This year's crop of highly-touted prospects includes quarterbacks such as Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zack Wilson, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones.  Let's see how it all went down!


  1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB)


What a surprise.  This generational talent is being compared to such iconic quarterbacks as John Elway and Peyton Manning, and rightfully so.  He and new coach Urban Meyer, after illustrious college careers which included national championships, will be saddled with high expectations as they look to change the culture in Duval.  Lawrence has the talent, maturity, and leadership ability to make it happen.


(UPDATE: Urban Meyer had the single WORST coaching tenure in NFL history.)


  1. New York Jets - Zach Wilson (QB)


Supporters of Gang Green are hoping that this guy can be the next Joe Namath.  The question is, will he be the one or become another Jets bust?  Fortunately, Wilson has a strong, accurate arm, and has an exciting improvisational ability not unlike that of Patrick Mahomes.  He has a real chance to be special.


  1. San Francisco 49ers - Trey Lance (QB)


This one shocked me.  This FCS prospect played for that subdivision's super power, North Dakota State, just as Carson Wentz did before him.  Kyle Shanahan is bullish on this guy, perhaps two years after he and the 49ers blew a 10-point lead to Mahomes and he Chiefs in the Super Bowl.  Shanahan, a staunch proponent of offense centered around play-action, understands that the mobile black quarterback is the wave of here and now.


  1. Atlanta Falcons -  Kyle Pitts (TE)


A new toy for Matt Ryan to play with.  Pitts will join future Hall of Fame receiver Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley to give Atlanta a potentially fearsome passing game.  Now, try not to blow winnable games!


  1. Cincinnati Bengals - Ja'Marr Chase (WR)


Joe Burrow will reunite with his favorite target from LSU's 2019 national championship team.  Explosive, game breaking receiver whose familiarity with Burrow makes this a natural pick.  The two hooked up for 23 touchdowns at LSU.


  1. Miami Dolphins - Jaylen Waddle (WR)


Roll Fins Roll!  This receiver out of Alabama is arguably better than his Heisman-winning teammate DeVonta Smith, and now he rejoins Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.  Waddle has explosive speed comparable to Tyreek Hill.  He can help Tua unlock his full potential.


  1. Detroit Lions - Penei Sewell (T)


This highly-touted O-line prospect will be called upon to protect new quarterback Jared Goff.  Sewell has a mean streak and amazing athleticism.


  1. Carolina Panthers - Jaycee Horn (CB)


Bad pick IMO.  I was hoping Carolina would pick a quarterback, but apparently, they will instead put their faith in Jets castoff Sam Darnold.  Can the Panthers trust mono boy to be their quarterback?


  1. Denver Broncos - Patrick Surtain Jr. (CB)


Apparently, the Broncos are putting their trust in Drew Lock (or Aaron Rodgers).  In the meantime, this son of a former NFL defensive back could be a strong shutdown corner.  He certainly was at Alabama.


  1. Philadelphia Eagles - DeVonta Smith (WR)


The reigning Heisman winner hits Philly, immediately becoming the prime target for Jalen Hurts, his old Alabama teammate.


  1. Chicago Bears - Justin Fields (QB)


Four years after passing on Patrick Mahomes, Da Bears finally join the quarterback revolution.  An undersized black guy who reminds me quite a bit of Russell Wilson.  Hey, he's a vegan!


  1. Dallas Cowboys - Micah Parsons (LB)


Elite linebacker could be a leader for the Cowboys' defense.


  1. Los Angeles Chargers - Rashawn Slater (T)


Picked to protect Justin Herbert.


  1. New York Jets - Alijah Vera-Tucker (G)


Picked to protect Zach Wilson.


  1. New England Patriots - Mac Jones (QB)


Can he be the next Tom Brady?  Fresh off a national championship at Alabama, Jones possesses a similar skill set, and was even nicknamed "Baby Brady" by his college teammates.  The high standards set by Brady may be nearly impossible for Jones to replicate, but his strong leadership and accurate arm could make him the heir to the GOAT.


  1. Arizona Cardinals - Zaven Collins (LB)


Versitale linebacker can do it all, rushing the quarterback and ball-hawking.


  1. Las Vegas Raiders - Alex Leatherwood (T)


Surprising pick by the Raiders to take the All-American offensive lineman.


  1. Miami Dolphins - Jaelan Phillips (DE)


Dolphins draft local pass-rusher (from Miami).


  1. Washington Football Team - Jamin Davis (LB)


Solid if unspectacular linebacker.  Started only one year for Kentucky.  Risky pick.


  1. New York Giants - Kadarius Toney (WR)


Good pickup for Daniel Jones.


  1. Indianapolis Colts - Kwity Paye (DE)


  1. Tennessee Titans - Caleb Farley (CB)


  1. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Darrisaw (T)


  1. Pittsburgh Steelers - Najee Harris (RB)


Will replace James Conner at running back.


  1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travis Etienne (RB)


Reunited with Trevor on the Clemson Jaguars!


  1. Cleveland Browns - Greg Newsome (CB)


  1. Baltimore Ravens - Rashod Bateman (WR)


Can he help Lamar learn to throw?


  1. New Orleans Saints - Payton Turner (DE)


  1. Green Bay Packers - Eric Stokes (CB)


  1. Buffalo Bills - Gregory Rousseau (DE)


  1. Baltimore Ravens - Jayson Oweh (LB)


  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Joe Tryon (LB)


The reigning Super Bowl champions add to an already-stout defense that shut down Mahomes in the Super Bowl.  My question is, why draft a linebacker with your first pick when you're already set at that position?


The draft will resume tomorrow night.  Aside from draft drama, the biggest story in the NFL right now is where Aaron Rodgers will go.  He has already had a fallout with he Packers and wants to be traded.  Where will he land?  The word is either the Raiders or Broncos.  Stay tuned.


UPDATE:  Now the Packers say they want to keep Rodgers.


UPDATE: Rodgers will spend 2021 with the Packers.


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